Attempted kidnapping at New Iberia K-Mart

A teenager escapes from what Iberia Parish Deputies say was an attempted kidnapping. Officials tell us the man approached a 19-year-old woman inside a New Iberia K-Mart. The woman ran to the parking lot and called her boyfriend who then contacted police. But running may not always be the best solution... "You never want to leave the store which is like a fortress," Stacey Mejia said. Mejia teaches self-defense at Acadiana Karate using a variety of techniques to avoid these situations. "You want as many people aware of the situation as you can," she said. "Typically try to stay in a well lit area." Lt. Ryan Turner says, "go where other people are around." "Create a distraction." Mejia says, "your voice is your most powerful weapon." These are techniques experts say can be used to help avoid conflict.

Experts say this victim is fortunate the outcome turned out favorable. Her boyfriend notified a deputy who later found 28-year-old Servo Lugo at his home. Deputies say the encounter between Lugo and the victim was all caught on tape. A form Lugo filled-out at the store then led deputies to his home. Lt. Turner says Lugo attempted to run but deputies caught up with him and charged him with attempted kidnapping and resisting arrest.